The moment I got more than I could handle

I celebrate things that make me happy but I don’t partake in organised celebrations. You won’t ever get a Christmas card signed “All my love, Fat Gay Vegan xx” and you certainly will never be expected to buy me a birthday present. Many years ago, I decided to opt out of societal shenanigans and I have never looked back. The atheist inside me was particularly chuffed and I have managed to save a lot of money for myself and my friends.

But just because I don’t wish people a Happy New Year or a pleasant Diwali doesn’t mean I don’t like to feast on some of the foods available around festivals. I’ve certainly eaten my fair share of vegan chocolate Santas. It is this decided ignorance of celebration but love of overeating that led me to a vegan Thanksgiving extravaganza of delicious proportions last week here in London.

Prepared and hosted by the fabulous The Vegan Ronin, the Thanksgiving feast was a dining experience like no other. The affair was intimate and cosy with a real underground supper club feel. The limited place settings promoted stimulating conversations between guests as we nibbled and sipped pre-dinner delights. I enjoyed the spiced popcorn and mulled wine, while others took advantage of the interesting cumin olives. We were off to a great start.

Now, hold onto your eating trousers and try not to drool on your keyboard as I list the dishes included in the main section of the meal. I ate Seitan Roulade, Seitan Drumsticks, Domino Potatoes, Mushroom & Onion Gravy, Stuffing, Mustard-Glazed Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato Casserole, Cornbread Muffins with Agave Nectar and Cranberry Sauce with Orange. All vegan and all amazing.

Looks good, right? Everything on my plate was deliriously-tasty. Can you see that seitan roulade?! Amazing.

Following on from this show-stopping main was a course that was extremely unexpected and surprising. The Vegan Ronin cleared our plates and laid out a stunning cheese platter. Yes… a glorious, handmade, vegan cheese platter.

Be amazed by this list of the 8 (!) vegan cheeses offered up: Yoghurt Cheeze, Cashew Cheeze, Macadamia Nut Cheeze, Rosemary & Garlic Quezo Blanco, Mozzarella, Cashew Nut ball with pecans, Brazil Nut cheeze and Ricotta. Impressive and unusual, I’m sure you’d agree.

Now, it could have been the mulled wine, the champagne, the red wine or the aged peach rum but I didn’t get any decent photos of the desserts I devoured. You can trust me though when I say they were divine. After the mammoth meal I have described above, I still had room for the Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Ice Cream and Wishbone Cookies.

The Vegan Ronin did more than a grand job with this event. The food was world-class and an absolute steal at £25 per person. I honestly can’t recommend her cooking highly enough. Bookmark her Little Bird Suppers website to keep updated of future food events and seriously consider hiring her expertise if you find yourself running a party or function in need of catering.

As I wrapped up tightly in my suddenly-too-tight coat in preparedness for the chilly London night, The Vegan Ronin pulled out one more surprise that was ever-so touching. Each guest was sent on their way with a homemade Peanut Butter Fudge Ball dipped in chocolate. Now that is something to celebrate.